A Book of 40

Gifts, gifts, and gifts!

noreply@blogger.com (Solar 40) — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 19:28:00 +0000

So, I know I'm months ahead, but if you know me then you are not surprised! Anywho, some of the gifts I ordered for my wedding party arrived, and I am one happy girl! They look even better in person than they did online, which is rare for some purchases. I'm so excited right now! My how the small things can bring such joy. On top of this we have a tasting tomorrow evening, and I have a feeling it's going to go great!

So glad my online purchase didn't turn out like it did for this guy! Haha

Well back to my world of organizing, saving, and preparing!

Until next time,
-Solar 40

Budgeting, budgeting, and more budgeting!

noreply@blogger.com (Solar 40) — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 15:21:00 +0000

This year I have been trying to stick to budgets for everything. Well if you budget, then you know that sometimes we can be tempted by things that screw up our budget or just fall off all together. I will admit that there were 2 months where I bought some things I KNOW I didn't and don't need, but I said, "I work hard and I deserve this" (~~I want this, screw my savings!~~). Well, thinking back, I should've said, "I work hard, I deserve to save and not screw my future retired life over by not sticking to my budget". I'm going to try to keep reminding myself of this statement going forward when I'm tempted. I've also tried to come up with ways to get some stuff I want without it coming out of my allocated budgets.

Save gift cards that I get from others for holidays and special occasions, and use these to buy the extras
Earn more reward points from survey sites I use, redeem them for gift cards and use those to buy the extras
Shop online directly through Ebates and get cash back checks/PayPal deposits quarterly
When the parents ask me if I want something while we are out shopping, go for the extras:) (Yes, I'm still spoiled)
Selling clothes/shoes/accessories I don't and won't wear anymore
Selling DVDs I don't watch anymore or that Grant already has

NOTE: These things might seem minimal to you, but let me tell you that I have gotten so much money from all of these. Few dollars/gift cards for small amounts here and there definitely add up quick if you don't touch/spend them, which is the hard part:)

I will say that there have been some things I needed that I saved for and was able to get because of my budgets, so there are definitely way more pros than cons to budgeting. And in case you don't already, create a SMALL budget for Just Because spending, and you will give yourself some wiggle room and not seem so tensed about it:) With this upcoming wedding, we have a budget for every sector of it and my goal is to beat each one of those budgets, so by the wedding I can say that I spent less and put that extra money in our Future Home savings:) I plan to post about my wedding budgets soon and how I have been finding ways to get what we want but pay less. So keep checking back for that!

Until next time, don't spent those pennies!

Solar 40

9.5 months to go!

noreply@blogger.com (Solar 40) — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 11:52:00 +0000

I feel like time is flying by. I had over 13 months when I got engaged, but now it's down to 9.5! Eeek!!! However, I am super excited and the planning is still chugging along. Made some great purchases yesterday and marked some to-dos off! Woohoo!

~~Welcome bags for OOT guests~~
~~Bags for my bridal party/hostess gifts~~
~~Gifts for the flower girls and ring bearer~~
~~Gifts for the hostesses~~

Doesn't seem like a lot, but it was too me!! S/O to Oriental Trading, plus I got free shipping and earned almost 600 reward points!! Ha, you prob think I'm a nut to get excited over that, but if you know me then you know I love a deal and earning points for redemption:) Do you know of other great sites where you can get reliable wedding supplies, neat things? If so, please be so kind to share with me:) Thanks in advance!

So, I mentioned the other day that I started posting on Wedding Bee, and let me tell you that in the short few days that I have been on there I have become addicted!! That's a good and bad thing. Good because I have gotten some great DIY ideas from there and bad because I want to read every post on there, HA! but that is not realistic since I work majority of the day. Either way I love being involved in that wedding community with brides from all over:) There are some savvy and stylish brides on there!

Well until next time, check out the welcome bags I purchased from Oriental Trading. I just had to show someone and who better than you all;)

-Solar 40

Wedding Bee Poster

noreply@blogger.com (Solar 40) — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 17:33:00 +0000

Guess who is not posting on the Wedding Bee Boards, MEEE!!

Check it out: To see my wedding bio, visit weddingbee.com.

Don't forget to check out the new Wedding News section for updates;)

I'll BEE back later;)
-Solar 40

I'm Back!!

noreply@blogger.com (Solar 40) — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 13:59:00 +0000

I'm BAAAACCCCCKKKK, hope you all haven't forgotten about me!

I've been gone for almost a year and sooo many great things have happened! I'm back, refreshed, ENGAGED, planning a wedding, organizing my life on a higher level, beasting at improving my finances, steadily helping others, and learning, learning, and learning!

I decided to jump back into this and release all these million thoughts I have these days with all that's going on. Since we've been engaged, I have such a new look on relationships and marriage, and my organization skills have definitely gotten better as a result. My fiancé and I have been enrolled in wonderful and spiritual couples' classes at church since the start of 2012 and let me just tell you that we have definitely grown even closer to God and each other, while learning a lot from other couples and each other. I will definitely dive into several topics that have sparked from our classes.

I won't make the broken promise that I will be posting every day or even every week, but I will be at least posting something every month, whether it's just about me, music, the wedding, relationships, or whatever else comes to mind. So I hope you will check me out here and there when you get a chance.

Glad to be back,
Solar 40

Missing Mondays

noreply@blogger.com (Solar 40) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 14:28:00 +0000

Hello to all my followers!! I know I've been ghost in blog world lately and it's because I'm in the process of relocating, going for a Senior promotion at work, and also learning new products at work. But I'll be settled and back on board with several weekly posts in September after I've moved:) Until then, I will try my best to do some posts here and there when I can. Keep your love strong and relationships tight until my return!!

Until my next post,
SOLAR 40

Tuesday Tip

noreply@blogger.com (Solar 40) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 15:51:00 +0000

Tuesday Tip: Stay True To You!

Always be yourself regardless of your company. If you are around your family, friends, or coworkers, remember to interact as normal with your mate. Don't turn into someone else that neither of you recognize. Stay true to yourself and your relationship at all times and you'll thank yourself later.

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."- Dr. Suess

Until my next tip,

-SOLAR 40

Thankful Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Solar 40) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 16:30:00 +0000

It's Thursday! So you know what that means...THANKFUL THURSDAY!

Father's Day is this Sunday and today I'd like to shout out my dad, Richard Junior on this Thankful Thursday. I am an All day, Every day Daddy's Girl! I totally admit to being spoiled by him and accustomed to getting what I want if it's within his means to provide it. As the only daughter, he showered me from birth to now and made sure I always knew that I was beautiful and should never let anyone disrespect or mistreat me. Everyone is not fortunate to grow up with a loving father in their home, so I'm truly blessed to have lived that life.

I wouldn't trade my dad for any other dad in the world. He truly takes his job as a father very serious even though I am now a 27 yr old adult. From enlightening me on what to look for in a husband all the way down to educating me on the maintenance of my truck, he always goes out of his way to make sure I am prepared in life. Death is certain, but the exact occurrence never is. I will cherish and love him as long as he is on this earth. With that being said, I'll shout it out for the world, "I'm Thankful, Thankful, Thankful for my Daddy!!!"

Well I'm out but come back next Thursday to find out what else I'm thankful for.
-SOLAR 40

Would you like to join us? Well we welcome you 100%, so hop over to Ramblings of a Diva and find out more.

Tuesday Tip

noreply@blogger.com (Solar 40) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 17:39:00 +0000

Tuesday Tip: MOTIVATION!

Motivate your mate and encourage them to achieve their goals. Without motivation, it can sometimes be hard to go for certain goals. Say encouraging words and assist your mate in any way you can.

"Really great people make you feel that you, too, can become great."- Mark Twain

Until my next tip,

-SOLAR 40

Friday Tip

noreply@blogger.com (Solar 40) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 14:48:00 +0000

Friday Tip: SMILE!

How often do you catch yourself just staring at your mate and smiling? Well, if you can't remember, today is the day to get your SMILE COUNT up! Not only does smiling bring your heart and mate joy, but it also allows you to burn calories. That's my kind of deal, now get to smiling!! If you need some encouragement, check out Kirk Franklin's "I Smile" video below:) Happy Friday!

"Smile like you've never smiled before."- Solar 40

Until my next smile,

-SOLAR 40

Thankful Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Solar 40) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 11:44:00 +0000

It's Thursday! So you know what that means...THANKFUL THURSDAY!

Today I'm thankful for my lovely stylist, Jacquetta Ross, owner of Always Cuttin' Up in Charleston, SC. If you know me well, then you know I always get my hair styled every other Thursday. On Hair Day I wake up with a smile, because I know that I'm going to partake in some afternoon fun and engaging conversations while getting my hair glammed up. There is just something about a hair salon that makes me feel alive and extra happy.

My stylist is very comical and knowledgeable. I always leave with a new tip on couponing and finances or a new way to protect my hair. In addition to her wonderful spirit, her other clients are a delight to me as well. Carefree chatter and the sweet smell of fruit scented hair products just do something to me!

Conversations range from love, to marriage, to finances, and right down to world news. Thank you Jacquetta for always bringing a smile to my face while keeping my hair nice and healthy. Couldn't ask for a better stylist!

Well I'm out but come back next Thursday to find out what else I'm thankful for.
-SOLAR 40

Would you like to be a part of Thankful Thursdays? Well hop on over to Ramblings Of a Diva and sign up!!

I'm happy as can be with a nice style from Always Cuttin' Up :)

New Series: Thankful Thursdays

noreply@blogger.com (Solar 40) — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 18:13:00 +0000

It's a new month, which means new information, inspirations and blog hopping. Starting tomorrow, I will be doing Thankful Thursdays along with Ramblings of a Diva and other bloggers. Each Thursday I will share what I'm thankful for in my love, work, and personal life. So don't forget to swing by tomorrow and get your dose of Thankful Thursday!!

Until Thursday,
-SOLAR 40

10 Ways to Express Love to Your Mate

noreply@blogger.com (Solar 40) — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 16:41:00 +0000

Express love by saying 'I Love You'
Express love by kissing
Express love by smiling
Express love by holding hands
Express love by cuddling
Express love by doing nice things
Express love by tackling a chore your mate hates doing
Express love by leaving a love note in their car
Express love by preparing your mate a meal
Express love by making your mate a gift

“It doesn't require a special day to express how much I Love You... if every ordinary day is more than special when I am with you.”- Anonymous

-SOLAR 40

Love Biggie #2- Trust

noreply@blogger.com (Solar 40) — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 12:47:00 +0000

Trust in me in all you do

Have the faith that I have in you

Love will see us through

If only you trust in me....

-Etta James "Trust in Me"

You may or may not be familiar with the few lyrics above, but when I think of trust, this song usually comes to mind. We're here, and now venturing into LOVE BIGGIE #2: TRUST!! Without trust, you will always have doubt and worries about your relationship. It's very critical that you have faith in your mate and know that you can trust them and also live a life where they can trust you as well. When you know that your mate has your best interest at heart, it's easier to do a lot and discuss a lot.

Relationships can be tested by the actions and words of outsiders and this could break your relationship if you let it. If you hear things about your mate from someone else, do you believe them or believe your mate? TRUST is a MUST. If you ask your mate a question and they give you an answer, do you trust or doubt their answer? TRUST is a MUST.

You will find that when trust lives in your life, home, and relationships, problems are less common. I trust my boyfriend in all aspects and believe that what he does for me and shows me is the truth and it's the only truth I need to rely on in our relationship. I know that he trust me as well and I DON'T and WON'T do anything to change or jeopardize this. Once you do something to cause your mate to lose trust in you, it's very hard to earn that trust back. Trust is just like a chain and when a link is broken, it's hard to hold anything together.

Sometimes if we've had issues trusting family members and friends growing up, it makes it harder to trust your mate in a relationship. You have to learn to accept that everyone is different and everyone will not let you down. While people in your past may have done so, you can't hold this against those in your present and future and assume that you can't trust them. I encourage you all to work on trusting yourself and others, because TRUST is a MUST!

"To be trusted is a greater compliment than to be loved." - George MacDonald

Until my next love biggie,

SOLAR 40

Monday Tip

noreply@blogger.com (Solar 40) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 19:52:00 +0000

Monday Tip: Live like kids again!

Don't ever lose touch with the kid in you! Do you ever sit around and reflect on how great your carefree life as a kid was or how fun it was to date when you were younger? Well, bring that back!! Play games, tell jokes, be silly with your mate. Restore the youthfulness in each other and just watch how things change for the better in your relationship. There is nothing like a good laugh or playing an old childhood game with your mate. Give it a try and find out for yourself.
"Youth is a wonderful thing- Solar 40

Until my next health tip,

-SOLAR 40

Tuesday Tip

noreply@blogger.com (Solar 40) — Tue, 31 May 2011 19:07:00 +0000

Tuesday Tip: Having a Healthy Relationship!!

How HEALTHY is your relationship? And I'm not talking health in terms of how happy you are? I'm talking Health, Fitness! Make sure your mate is healthy if you want to enjoy them for several more years to come. Get regular physicals, eye exams, and dental checkups. When you have time, workout together or just go for a long walk or jog on a regular basis. The healthier you are, the happier you can be. So check on your mate today and find out just how HEALTHY your relationship is. Awareness is key!

"Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." -World Health Organization, 1948

Until my next health tip,

-SOLAR 40

Flaws and All!

noreply@blogger.com (Solar 40) — Thu, 26 May 2011 18:31:00 +0000

"When someone shows you who they are, believe them"- Maya Angelou

Do you know who you are with? Do you ask questions and observe actions? Or do you just have your own vision of how you want someone to be and try to transform them into that.

It's very vital to know that as adults (25 and up), we are pretty much who we are going to be. You can change habits and learn from mistakes, but personality is there and some things can't be changed. Why would you want to be with someone that you want to change up and down? You won't have to completely change the essence of the one that is meant for you. There is room for improvement in men and women and this is fine, but at the end of the day, somethings about us will always be constant. Love the one you are with for who they are!! If you can't do that, then maybe that's not the one for you.

You are not perfect, so don't expect your mate to be perfect. There might be a few things that they do that will drive you crazy and vice-versa, but love can live in your relationship despite it all. I always felt that Beyoncé really told a true story in "Flaws and All" that discusses the love her mate has for her even though she is not perfect, and she in turn loves him for this. I won't go on and on about the song, but will instead let you get your own ear full.

Flaws and All- Beyoncé

Until my lyric of lesson,

-SOLAR 40

Thursday Tip

noreply@blogger.com (Solar 40) — Thu, 26 May 2011 18:10:00 +0000

Thursday Tip: Sharing is Caring!!

When you have a good idea or a plan on how to make things better in any aspect, SHARE, SHARE, SHARE with your mate. Share your dreams, plans, and hopes in life with each other. 'Sharing is Caring' and there's no better feeling then knowing he/she has your back and cares about what is important to you. They can only do so if they are aware of what's going on in that head of yours.

"Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared." -Buddha

Until my next tip,
-SOLAR 40

Distinguishing Roles Within A Relationship

noreply@blogger.com (Solar 40) — Wed, 25 May 2011 14:52:00 +0000

How do you distinguish roles within your relationship? Do you act the same way around your mate no matter where you are, whether it's around your kids, parents, friends? Well, this is one topic that could go in so many directions based on various situations and relationships. One of my loyal Book of 40 readers, who is a mother and wife left a comment on a previous post, "Time, Love Biggie #1" and requested I expand on "Distinguishing roles within a relationship". Here is an excerpt from the comment "a good topic would be how to distinguish roles within a relationship. Are you prudish around your parents or lovey dovey? Do you find it easy to kiss each other around family?"

I thought long and hard about this topic, and after a while, a particular Bible verse came to mind:
Ephesians 5:31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”

My overall impression and answer to the topic for my married reader is that once you are united and married you are to love and cherish each other under all circumstances and in all occasions. The first question from the comment was "Are you prudish around your parents or lovey dovey?" To answer, this NO!! You should show your love for your mate/spouse around all company, whether it be parents, friends, coworkers, other relatives. Always make them feel loved. Love carries the world. There is already a lack of it in different areas, so when we have the opportunity to show it, DO SO! Parents know that you are in a relationship/married and they must respect this.

This leads us right into the second question from the comment "Do you find it easy to kiss each other around family?" YES! It may make them feel a little uncomfortable at first, but they will get used to it. There is nothing like a nice kiss, a long hug, or a stroke on the arm when in the presence of others. It's not "showing off" or trying to make others jealous of what you have, it's showing your partner love and expressing exactly how you feel. Love should be expressed everywhere and not just behind closed doors. Now I'm not saying do anything vulgar or X-rated in front of others lol, as you may end up with other issues, but that's another post for another day :)

I love being out and seeing couples kiss and hold hands. They have love that is not envious of anyone or anything and they are not ashamed to let the world know it. My boyfriend and I hold hands pretty much wherever we go, and sometimes when visiting people we hold hands when just merely chatting and sitting on the couch without even realizing it. I like to feel loved at all times, on my good and bad days. You never know the effect of a simple kiss or gesture. For all you know, when they walked in and met you at a dinner party, they just came from the worst day ever at work, but then you greeted and kissed them and it reminded them that "Work is over for today and love is here now". The next time you're out in public shopping with your mate or visiting relatives, do something nice and sweet to express your love. PUCKER UP readers and show your LOVE!!

Until my next request post,
-SOLAR 40

Wednesday Tip

noreply@blogger.com (Solar 40) — Wed, 25 May 2011 14:14:00 +0000

Wednesday Tip: Money Talk!!

Whether people admit it or not, finances are important whether it's just you or you and your mate. Be open about your finances and talk about what you both can do to save money and make wise spending choices. It shouldn't matter exactly how much money either of you makes, but together, it matters how you spend it. Sit down and Money Talk with your mate. You'll thank yourself later.

"Don't tell me where your priorities are. Show me where you spend your money and I'll tell you what they are." -James W. Frick

Until my next tip,
-SOLAR 40

Tuesday Tip

noreply@blogger.com (Solar 40) — Tue, 24 May 2011 16:51:00 +0000

Tuesday Tip: Laugh until you cry!!

Laughter is not only good for the soul, but it's great for your relationship. Don't forget to always have fun and enjoy endless laughs with your mate. It keeps stress to a minimum and keeps you in tune to the person you know and love. Throughout the day share a laugh with your mate face-to-face, through text, email, IM or on the phone. Sometimes you'll cry together, but you ALWAYS need to LAUGH together.

"Laughter is an instant vacation." -Milton Berle

Until my next tip,
-SOLAR 40

Monday Tip

noreply@blogger.com (Solar 40) — Mon, 23 May 2011 12:44:00 +0000

Monday Tip: Trust, trust, trust!!

Trust is vital to any type of lasting relationship. Have faith in your mate and trust that if you have true love that they will do what's right for you. Without 'trust', you definitely have 'doubt' which will slowly break your relationship.

"The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them."-Ernest Hemingway

Until my next tip,
-SOLAR 40

Friday Tip

noreply@blogger.com (Solar 40) — Fri, 20 May 2011 15:09:00 +0000

Friday Tip: Break from the world, Tune into each other!!

Everyone looks forward to Friday and all it brings. Friday starts the weekend and you're ready to relax and/or party alone or with friends, just don't forget to do the same with your mate! Relax with each other or go out on the town and have fun. But whatever you do, spend some Fridays with your loved one. It's Friday, so get it RIGHT!

"Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one."-Dr. Seuss

Until next week,

-SOLAR 40

Thursday Tip

noreply@blogger.com (Solar 40) — Thu, 19 May 2011 15:40:00 +0000

Thursday Tip: Dish Out Your Desired Treatment!!

Remember to love and treat your mate the way that you want them to love and treat you. You get just as much as you dish. If you aren't willing to do as much as you are asking of others, don't be disappointed when you don't get what you want.

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"- Luke 6:31

Until my next tip of love,

-SOLAR 40

Wednesday Tip

noreply@blogger.com (Solar 40) — Wed, 18 May 2011 13:44:00 +0000

Wednesday Tip: Always Date Each Other!!

Whether you’re in a relationship, living with someone, engaged, or married, always remember to DATE each other and spend time like you did in the beginning. While things change in our lives (kids, jobs, etc), which require time to be devoted to other things, always work to find time for each other. IT MATTERS!
"Always date like it's your first date"- Solar 40

Until I drop the next tip,
-SOLAR 40

A Book of 40

﻿Gifts, gifts, and gifts!

Budgeting, budgeting, and more budgeting!

9.5 months to go!

Wedding Bee Poster

I'm Back!!

Missing Mondays

Tuesday Tip

Thankful Thursday

Tuesday Tip

Friday Tip

Thankful Thursday

New Series: Thankful Thursdays

10 Ways to Express Love to Your Mate

Love Biggie #2- Trust

Monday Tip

Tuesday Tip

Flaws and All!

Thursday Tip

Distinguishing Roles Within A Relationship

Wednesday Tip

Tuesday Tip

Monday Tip

Friday Tip

Thursday Tip

Wednesday Tip

Gifts, gifts, and gifts!